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Science Explorations Summer Camp (Grade 3-8)

Information for our Summer 2025 programs is posted below, and registration is now open to the public.

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Unleash the inner scientist in your child! Science Explorations Summer Day Camp immerses young minds in an exciting exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, curriculum-aligned experiments. Designed and led by passionate and qualified instructors, including undergraduate/graduate science and engineering students, Teacher Candidates, and Ontario Certified Teachers, our camps provide a fun and engaging learning environment.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Grade Level

Grades 3-8

Dates

Weekly from June 30 to August 22, 2025

Time

9:00am to 4:00pm, before- and after-care available

Pricing

$395.00 (five-day weeks)

$335.00 (holiday four-day week)

Summer 2025 Program Descriptions

We're thrilled to announce that Science Explorations Summer Camps is coming to Markham and registration will open soon! We are in the process of confirming a location at the new state-of-the-art Markham Campus, located at 1 University Boulevard, Markham. These enriching and fun-filled summer experiences offer a diverse range of activities and themes designed to inspire creativity, foster learning, and create lasting memories.

We are excited to expand our offerings to include both elementary students (grades 3-8) and high school students (grades 9-10).

Tentative schedule is listed below. Information is subject to change based on confirmation of space.

Grades 3-5

Grades 6-8

Grades 9-10

July 7-11, 2025

Aerospace Science

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Anatomy and Physiology

July 14-18, 2025

Animals and Veterinary Science

Electricity

Biomedical Science

July 21-25, 2025

Explosion Camp

Mini-Med 2.0: Wonders of Medical Science

Forensic Science

Grades 3-5 | Aerospace Science

  • Dates: July 7-11, 2025

Let your dream take flight with Aerospace Science camp! Concoct your own rocket fuel recipe while making bottle rockets and learn about how we can harness the potential energy of different chemical reactions to create thrilling displays of engineering. Using the engineering design process, design, build, and test your own glider. Campers will investigate principles of flight and learn how humans have applied these principles to take flight, from gliding off mountains to breaking the sound barrier, and more!

Grades 3-5 | Animals and Veterinary Science

  • Dates: July 14-18, 2025

Welcome to Animals and Veterinary Science camp! Dive into the fascinating realm of zoology as we explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Campers will uncover the secrets of animal biology and veterinary care through hands-on activities and exciting experiments. From examining animal tracks to learning about animal behavior, every day brings new discoveries and adventures. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of animals and veterinary science!

Grades 3-5 | Explosion Camp

  • Dates: July 21-25, 2025

Burst into the aweSTEM world of science at EXPLOSION camp! Engage in topics such as chemical reactions, natural disasters, supernova explosions and more. Engineer a rocket fuel for your bottle rocket, generate an eruption from your volcano, concoct some elephant toothpaste, and more! Put on your safety science cap and join us for a week that will blow your mind!


Grades 6-8 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • Dates: July 7-11, 2025

Medicine has the ability to stop, cure or prevent diseases and illnesses. While we use medicine every day to treat our symptoms, the science behind how medications function and how they are designed is not as commonly understood. Join us as we learn the four stages involved when medication is taken, and explore the different types of medications available.

Grades 6-8 | Electricity

  • Dates: July 14-18, 2025

Get ready for a shocking experience as you explore the world of light, sound and electricity! Investigate the difference between series and parallel circuits, study kinetic and potential energy, and examine the importance of renewable energy. Gather your components as we build an LED flashlight, or save the world with solar energy by manufacturing a solar powered car.

Grades 6-8 | Mini-Med School 2.0: Wonders of Medical Science

  • Dates: July 21-25, 2025

Embark on an immersive scientific exploration at our weeklong camp where participants will delve into the intriguing world of human health and medical science. From hands-on experiments to interactive workshops, campers will engage in a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Through guided exploration, they will unravel the mysteries of bacteria, explore the functionality of essential medical tools, and gain practical skills in medical procedures. Additionally, participants will investigate the complexities of human anatomy and physiology through an animal dissection, uncover the secrets of DNA, and peer into the microscopic realm. Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery and inspiration as we explore the wonders of the human body and advancements shaping the future of medicine.


Grades 9/10 Courses

Please see our Spark Lab Program webpage for dates and course descriptions.

Animal Kingdom

  • Dates: June 30-July 4, 2025 (We are open on Canada Day) and August 5-8, 2025*

Each day is an adventure in Animal Kingdom! Become an Animal Scientist as we explore topics from wildlife to domesticated animals, starting with a journey through the food chain, where you'll discover how every creature, big and small, plays a vital role in nature. We will embark through experiments and activites to learn about the importance of the environment to ecosystems and the creatures that live there, and how humans can help maintain the delicate balance. Don your stethoscope to learn about how to keep animals healthy and examine x-rays to reveal the hidden wonders inside their bodies. Join us for a week of exploration and unforgettable memories at Animal Kingdom!

*Note that this is a four-day holiday week

Space Adventures

  • Dates: July 7-11, 2025 and August 11-15, 2025

Perseverance Rover has finally made its way to Mars in February 2021. Launch sky-high flying rockets towards Mars to assist Perseverance in its mission. Take a look at the stars by making a telescope! You will examine technologies that help humans in space, build your own robotic arm (Canadarm), learn how to survive in space, and more. From saving astronauts to creating constellations, campers at Space Adventures will be engaged in all things astronomy.

STEM Camp: Science Superstars

  • Dates: July 14-18, 2025 and July 28-August 1, 2025

Campers, explore the world of STEM with us in STEM Camp: Science Superstars! Make sure you bring your creative thinking cap as we engage in a variety of activities such as concocting chemical solutions, constructing an operating skeletal hand, experimenting with chromatography, and so much more! Campers will learn to engage their minds in inquisitive thinking by examining everyday occurrences - why does toothpaste foam, how do we digest our breakfast, and more!

STEM Camp: Spectacular Scientists

  • Dates: July 21-25, 2025 and August 18-22, 2025

Embark on an immersive adventure where young minds become spectacular scientists who explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM Camp: Spectacular Scientists camp encourages hands-on exploration through the scientific process to guide students through the process of trial, error, and success! From studying the chemistry of non-Newtonian fluids to engineering a circuit board game, these captivating experiments, creative challenges, and collaborative projects will have participants delve into the wonders of STEM.

Aerospace Science

  • Dates: June 30-July 4, 2025 (We are open on Canada Day) and August 5-8, 2025*

Let your dream take flight with Aerospace Science camp! Concoct your own rocket fuel recipe while making bottle rockets and learn about how we can harness the potential energy of different chemical reactions to create thrilling displays of engineering. Using the engineering design process, design, build, and test your own glider. Campers will investigate principles of flight and learn how humans have applied these principles to take flight, from gliding off mountains to breaking the sound barrier, and more!

*Note that this is a four-day holiday week

Apocalyptic Science

  • Dates: July 7-11, 2025 and July 28-August 1, 2025

Campers, it's the year 3202 and you must work with your fellow friends to survive in this new apocalyptic world. At Apocalyptic Science, you'll gain survival skills such as building strong and safe shelters, identifying what you can and cannot eat in the wild, how to perform basic first aid, and more. Surviving the apocalypse is no easy task, especially if you're alone, so what are you waiting for - join us today!

Explosion Camp

  • Dates: July 14-18, 2025 and August 11-15, 2025

Burst into the aweSTEM world of science at EXPLOSION camp! Engage in topics such as chemical reactions, natural disasters, supernova explosions and more. Engineer a rocket fuel for your bottle rocket, generate an eruption from your volcano, concoct some elephant toothpaste, and more! Put on your safety science cap and join us for a week that will blow your mind!

Animals and Veterinary Science

  • Dates: July 21-25, 2025 and August 18-22, 2025

Welcome to Animals and Veterinary Science camp! Dive into the fascinating realm of zoology as we explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Campers will uncover the secrets of animal biology and veterinary care through hands-on activities and exciting experiments. From examining animal tracks to learning about animal behavior, every day brings new discoveries and adventures. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of animals and veterinary science!

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • Dates: June 30-July 4, 2025 (We are open on Canada Day) and August 5-8, 2025*

Medicine has the ability to stop, cure or prevent diseases and illnesses. While we use medicine every day to treat our symptoms, the science behind how medications function and how they are designed is not as commonly understood. Join us as we learn the four stages involved when medication is taken, and explore the different types of medications available.

*Note that this is a four-day holiday week

Neuroscience 1.0: Meet the Mind

  • Dates: July 7-11, 2025 and August 11-15, 2025

Discover all the fascinating things the brain can do! At Neuroscience: Meet the Mind, you will take a deep dive into the organ that controls it all. From neurons to senses, you'll investigate topics about the nervous system such as anatomy, function, perception, diseases, and more. Join us as we explore the science behind the mind by engaging in activities such as brain modelling, testing illusions, engaging in sensory experiments, and more!

Note: This camp session complements and will have new and different experiences from Neuroscience 2.0 in Summer 2024.

Space Science

  • Dates: July 14-18, 2025 and July 28-August 1, 2025

Embark on an interstellar adventure at Space Science camp! Dive into the cosmos as we explore planets, stars, and beyond. Participants will engage in telescope observations in partnership with the York University Observatory, hands-on experiments, and thrilling simulations. From designing Martian habitats to decoding the language of the stars, our Space Science camp ignites curiosity about our universe. Join us for an exhilarating week of cosmic exploration, where young astronomers discover the mysteries of space.

Electricity

  • Dates: July 21-25, 2025 and August 18-22, 2025

Get ready for a shocking experience as you explore the world of light, sound and electricity! Investigate the difference between series and parallel circuits, study kinetic and potential energy, and examine the importance of renewable energy. Gather your components as we build an LED flashlight, or save the world with solar energy by manufacturing a solar powered car.

Mini-Med School is a comprehensive science program that immerses participants in the intricacies of human health and medical science. Through hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, and expert-led tours, both camps provide invaluable insights into various facets of healthcare, from understanding the fundamentals of human anatomy to exploring advancements shaping the future of medicine. By delving into topics such as bacteria, DNA, and medical procedures, these programs foster a holistic understanding of healthcare, inspiring curiosity and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. While Mini-Med 2.0 will build on some of the concepts of Mini-Med 1.0, it is not necessary to attend these camps in order.

Mini-Med School 1.0: Healthcare Foundations

  • Dates: June 30-July 4, 2025 | July 14-18, 2025 | July 28-August 1, 2025

Experience the thrill of being a health care professional in our immersive medical science camp! Whether your interest lies in surgery, patient care, or medical research, this camp is designed to ignite your passion and equip you with foundational knowledge. Throughout the week, we will dissect an organ, unravel the complexities of body systems, and delve into essential biological and chemical concepts. Join us for a transformative journey that prepares aspiring young minds for a future in medicine!

Mini-Med School 2.0: Wonders of Medical Science

  • Dates: July 7-11, 2025 | July 21-25, 2025 | August 5-8, 2025*

Embark on an immersive scientific exploration at our weeklong camp where participants will delve into the intriguing world of human health and medical science. From hands-on experiments to interactive workshops, campers will engage in a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Through guided exploration, they will unravel the mysteries of bacteria, explore the functionality of essential medical tools, and gain practical skills in medical procedures. Additionally, participants will investigate the complexities of human anatomy and physiology through an animal dissection, uncover the secrets of DNA, and peer into the microscopic realm. Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery and inspiration as we explore the wonders of the human body and advancements shaping the future of medicine.

*Note that this is a four-day holiday week

What do parents and campers have to say about our camps?

My son was adamant that at 13 he no longer needed or wanted to go to camp. But, given some choices, elected to do the Extreme Engineering. When I observed that he seemed to be very busy throughout the day he said, "But it's just a lot of fun." Excellent choice of activities, and very approachable, personable, down to earth leaders. - Parent, Extreme Engineering 2024

Thank you for this great week, it stimulated my child's interest in science! This one week camp made a big impact on my middle schooler, she liked all the Counselors and making new friends. The most important is that now she found science is actually very interesting, and not as boring as she thought before. She even told me she may study brain science and neurology, amazing! I cannot believe she did not like science before the camp. Thank you! - Parent 2024

I liked this camp because I always wanted to be inside of a university campus, let alone do camp there! I loved this camp because of some of my new friends and the experiments were really fun as well. - Camper 2024

This is the first time sending my child to the York U program. My child was fascinated by what he learned from the neuroscience program - being able to dissent a sheep brain and make a brain model all are excellent learning activities. My child shared that there were many hands on activities which he really appreciated (he attended other university held children summer programs which were very much lecture style). I really appreciated all the efforts put into giving the children a very positive learning experience. The end of program showcase presentation also gave the kids excellent opportunity to practice public speaking - my child did not volunteer to do so this time but he said when he returned in two weeks he would definitely do so. This told me how inspired and empowered he got from the environment and opportunities. Many thanks! Keep up the great work! - Parent, Neuroscience 2.0 2024

I just wanted to say thank you to the entire team. After a bad camp experience elsewhere last year, it was such a relief to pick up my child and see that he was happy and excited to go back the next day. My family really appreciate all the work you’ve done. Thank you! - Parent, 2024

My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed the Science camp. All the camp counsellors and staff are nice and patient with the campers & their families. It’s impressive to see the children learn about electricity at such a young age and applying their new knowledge in different projects during the week at summer camp. - Markham Camper, Electricity 2024

ngl I feel like it wasn't really the projects but the instructors on rizz.. tbh they were the reason that I actually woke up happy to go to camp and they really just made the experience better fr fr. also the other students here like city boy jj really made this camp sigma and I feel like i now have a new view on engineering as something I can continue in the future. - Camper, Extreme Engineering 2024

I was given confidence in trying my best at everything as well as being given tips on how I can improve even more. The camp introduced us to many interesting experiments, concepts, and projects, and we learned on how it can be used in the real world. - Camper 2024

Daily Schedule

All of our camps are one week in length. Campus camps runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

A typical day consists of two to four experiments and activities. There are two 30-minute breaks and one 1-hour lunch for students to use the washrooms, have a snack, and enable camp staff to implement camp room cleaning procedures.

While we endeavor to take students outside during breaks and lunch, rain or heat waves may prevent us from doing so and students will need to eat and play indoors.

FOOD POLICY

Lunch is not provided, and will be held outdoors picnic-style, weather permitting. We recommend using ice packs for your child's lunch, as we do not have the facilities to refrigerate lunches.

Allergies are an increasing concern, particularly nut allergies. We do implement a nut-safe lunch policy for the safety of our campers. We ask that you pack nut-free lunches for all campers.

SCIENCE SHOWCASE

Friday afternoons from 3:00pm-4:00pm, friends and family are invited to our weekly Science Showcase. There will be a recap video, presentations from each class (not every child chooses to participate in the presentation), and a Gallery Walk of their projects so your child can talk about what they learned that week.

Which grade group should my child be registered in?

Due to the academic nature of our programs, we recommend participants register for programs based on the grade they will be entering in September 2025.

Before- and After-Care

Before- and after-camp care is available for an additional fee. Extended care is supervised, unscheduled time. Science magazines, books, puzzles, and games are available for use, and electronics are strongly discouraged so that campers have the opportunity to interact with their peers and build friendships. A camp phone is available for use should you or your child need to contact each other.

Before-camp care

  • Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
  • 4-day week cost: $24/week
  • 5-day week cost: $30/week

After-camp care

  • Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
  • 4-day week cost: $24/week
  • 5-day week cost: $30/week

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQ Page for more information, including location, refund policies and financial assistance.